Planning an ecovillage
is “hard work, but very instructive.”
[Understenshöjden]. It is unpredictable,
complex, time consuming, but “it is
worth it!” [Understenshöjden].
It is distinct from planning other housing
developments in two key ways: first, because
ecological principles must be incorporated
into the design; second, because the future
residents shape the process and its outcome.
The ecovillage is something the residents
have helped create, and for that reason is
something which fosters a sense of community
pride and responsibility.

Creating an
ecovillage requires a plan, patience, and
perseverance. The lessons gleaned from the
range of residents’ experiences is summarized
in the following recommendations: